SFST Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SFST facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Approximately how long does it take the average adult liver to metabolize one standard drink? → One hour
2. What does the NHTSA SFST student manual recommend if a subject refuses to follow the stimulus with their eyes during the HGN test? → Note the refusal in the report and move on to the next SFST
3. What is a nosocomial infection? → An infection acquired in a healthcare facility
4. What type of courses might be included in the continuing education for SFST-certified officers? → Updates on impaired driving laws and best practices in field sobriety testing
5. Which detail about the HGN stimulus object must be documented to ensure test validity? → That the stimulus was held 12–15 inches from the subject's nose at eye level
6. Which study approach is most effective for Observation Skills material? → Active recall with practice questions
7. A suspect scores 2 clues on the One-Leg Stand. According to NHTSA research, what does this suggest? → The suspect is likely at or above 0.08% BAC
8. Alcohol is distributed throughout the body primarily via body water because: → Alcohol is water-soluble and distributes through total body water
9. During the Walk-and-Turn, a suspect takes 17 steps on the first leg instead of the required 9. How should the officer score this? → Score 'incorrect number of steps' as one clue
10. Which of the following is a benefit of continuing education for SFST-certified officers? → Enhanced accuracy in administering tests and testifying in court
11. Which of the following best describes an 'improper turn' clue during the Walk and Turn test? → The suspect spins around rather than using small steps around the front foot
12. Which SFST clue specifically addresses the suspect's behavior during the instruction phase of the Walk-and-Turn? → Cannot keep balance while listening
13. An officer notices that a suspect's eyes exhibit nystagmus only prior to 45 degrees during HGN. This observation most likely indicates: → A very high BAC or significant CNS impairment
14. What is the primary purpose of professional certification in One Leg Stand? → To validate competency and knowledge in the field
15. Implied consent laws typically require that a driver who refuses a chemical test following a failed SFST faces: → Administrative license suspension
16. Which phase of the Walk and Turn test allows the officer to observe clues even before the suspect takes a single step? → The instruction phase
17. A suspect tells the officer they have an inner ear condition before SFSTs begin. The officer should: → Document the condition and consider its potential effect on balance test results
18. Which of the following best describes the role of SFSTs in the overall DUI investigation? → SFSTs provide standardized, validated data to support probable cause for arrest
19. Why should an officer document the sequence in which SFSTs were administered to a subject? → NHTSA mandates a specific order, and deviation must be explained
20. When should you change an answer on a test? → Only when you have a clear reason the new answer is better
21. What is the most effective study technique according to research? → Active recall with spaced repetition
22. An officer who coaches a witness to match the officer's SFST report testimony commits: → Witness tampering or obstruction of justice
23. What is the most effective study technique according to research? → Active recall with spaced repetition
24. What role does ethics play in Observation Skills practice? → It guides professional conduct and protects stakeholders
25. Which SFST-related Supreme Court decision addressed the constitutionality of warrantless breath tests incident to arrest? → Birchfield v. North Dakota
26. What is a key focus during the SFST training program? → Understanding the physiological effects of alcohol
27. Why is reading the question carefully important? → To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked
28. Which of the following describes a condition that may cause resting nystagmus (nystagmus with eyes looking straight ahead)? → Certain neurological disorders or extremely high BAC
29. What is the significance of the NHTSA validation studies in SFST training? → They provide scientific evidence supporting the accuracy of the three-test battery
30. What are standard precautions in healthcare? → Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious